Colchester | Official Tourist Information Website | Hotels | Events

10/03/2006

Laila and Peter

Just above Alkmaar, The Netherlands

Saturday the 11th it is the 3th time I'll visit Colchester, this time i take a friend with me. As far as i remember ( last time i visited this city has been in 2001 )Colchester is a city to give a stressed soul fresh energy. Our plan is to stay in Colchester for several days and visit the several museums, spend some money at Marks and Spencers and maybe, if there is enough time, visit London. In 2001 i stayed at Marks Tey, this time it shall be the Red Lion, i hope it keeps it's promisses just as in the several magazines that placed an article about this hotel, old, great kitchen, nice employees and good rooms.

09/02/2006

sammy-jo

Barking

I went to colchester zoo with my leisure and toursim class, I found it very interesting with gorgeous animals that were well looked after. The staff were polite used good manners offered advise, help and any other assistance needed at all times. The trip was fun and I would love to go again someday.

21/12/2005

Lauren Murray

Colchester

I am a South African, and I have been living in Rowhedge Colchester for the last 18 months. Although I miss SA very much and will return home one day, I love the village that I live in and it already holds very fond memories and experiences for me and my family.

16/08/2005

Larry

Montreal, Canada

I was born in Colchester (the Lexden area, actually) in July 1940. My parents (and I, of course) lived on Albany Road, in West Bergholt. (The largest building was the then Daniel's Brewery!) I remember the War very well; my earliest memories were of fleets of (enemy) aircraft flying over, and bombs falling. One fell only about one hundred yards from the house, into a ploughed field. I was frequently dragged out of my cot, or bed, and put quickly down a cold, damp, 'root-cellar' (used for storing fruits and vegetables). I remember 'dog-fights' in the sky, and a 'doodle-bug' V-1 flying bomb passing overhead at dusk, late in the War, heading in a northwesterly direction. A couple of years after the War, my parents separated, moved elsewhere, and the house was sold. I have visited back a few times. I recall pleasurably the good people of the Colchester area, its green and pleasant aspects, and the 'Blues' soccer team which challenged Arsenal at Layer Road in the F.A.Cup just after the War. I seem to recall that, sadly, the 'Blues' lost by a score of 3 to 2 - but that they put up a darned good fight! I am very proud of belonging to Colchester, with its long and rich history. I tell people that my 'home town' is notable for two somewhat exotic things - oysters and roses! Wonderful memories! Of course, there are many 'Colchester's' in the world, especially in North America (the small town of the name is among the most southerly towns in Canada) (located in SW Ontario). And, for those who may not be aware, a ship named CITY of COLCHESTER was in British registry, sailing world-wide, from about 1947 to 1964. Good luck to Colchester and its people! May history yet be forged within your lovely location!

16/08/2005

Andres

Madrid, Spain

Thank you Colchester!! I have very good recollections of this lovely town. Thank you very much for your hospitality.

20/07/2005

Jenni

Sydney, Australia

I am English and when last home I visited Colchester for the first time and loved it. The fact that it is seed in history and is such a well kept town. The little streets and shops, the castle and the surrounding area are delightful. Next time I come home I want to see more of this quaint place.

18/07/05

Sandy

Perth, Western Australia

I left Colchester in 1980. My childhood memories consist of going to the movies every saturday morning then hanging out at the Castle with my friends. For fun we'd con the museum attendant into letting us into the dungeons for free. Now they're memories you just couldn't have living elsewhere in the world!

29/06/2005

Ian Newbery

Luton - UK

I am looking for anyone who served in Colchester during WW2 from Canada specifically who may have been in the Canadian Artillery - anti aircraft and who may have known Duncan Tulloch. If so please contact me on iannewbery@gmail.com - many thanks

05/06/2005

Lionel Payne

Comber, Northern Ireland

I was born in colchester many years ago, and would love to go back and see it one day, and to see Colchester United play, who I have followed for many years.

22/02/2005

Angie Willis

Dubuque, Iowa, USA

I attended the University of Essex in the fall of 2000. I fell in love with Colchester immediately, made life-long friendships in the process, and miss it more each day. Someday, I'll get back, friends/family in tow, and show others how amazing this town is!

02/02/2005

Mark West

Arlington, Massachusetts, USA

I attended the University of Essex and lived near the centre of Colchester. I still miss it a great deal. Even though I live now in 'New' England, Colchester will always be a special place where I enjoyed some of the best times of my life.

26/01/2005

The Young Family

Colchester, Connneticut, USA

Colchester is a great family place to visit. We loved Colchester castle and the Museums. It is great to visit kid friendly places that don't mind all the touching involved in learning. We will see you all soon!!

27/11/2004

Nathan

Colchester

I run the security for the colchester festival, and other major events, and i couldn't be happyer with the town, so its not most accesible but it makes up for it in so many ways, the night life, the hotels, the food BRILLIANT!

23/11/2004

Joe MacDonnell

Colchester, Essex

I have lived in Colchester for 8 years and it seriously rocks.

03/11/2004

Sheila Phillipson

Lechlade, Glos

I used to live in Colchester many years ago and went to Phillip Morant School. I haven't been back for some years now but I expect that it has gone through many changes. I used to love visiting the Castle and Hollytrees Museum as a child and have taken my own children there as well. I hope to make a return visit again soon.

02/11/2004

Carlene Nusbaum

Ottawa, Ohio

I met some poeple from Colchester when I was visiting a horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky. I checked out Colchester on the internet and it looks a very pretty place to visit sometime. A friend had emailed me the site.

22/09/2004

Brad Stevens

Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada

I have been to Colchester 7 times since 1988 and love the city, the people and the surrounding area. If I was to ever relocate to England I would plan on living in Colchester.

05/08/2004

Wati Nayan

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I'm visiting my friends here for 2 weeks. I must admit that Colchester is more than what I expected. I think it's an absolutely beautiful place to visit and I'd love to come here again.

04/08/2004

Mr Shoesy

Colchester, Essex

I think Colchester is great. I live here all year round and cherish every moment.

24/07/2004

Mr T Coughlan

Burnham-On-Crouch, Essex

I have lived in Essex for about 15 years and on Saturday had my first visit to Colchester Town Centre. As well as visiting the Castle Museum, which was excellent, my family and I joined one of the guided tours of the town which was very interesting and enjoyable. The Castle Park gradens were beautiful, in fact we had recently visited Hever Castle and Penshurst Place, the gardens of which claim to be magnificent, but they were not as impressive as Castle Park. I look forward to visiting Colchester again in the near future - I can confirm it will not be another 15 years before my next visit!

17/07/2004

Karen Sparkman

Jacksonville, Florida USA

I was born in Colchester back in 1967. I've lived in America for 20 years now, but have fond memories of Colchester. I am planning on bringing my husband & children to Colchester when we visit England next year to visit family and friends.

12/07/2004

Barbi Vasquez

Vallejo California

How wonderful to see my home town. I've been away for 30 plus years but it is still home. Hi to all in good old Colchester.

05/07/2004

Wally Mace

Toronto, Canada

I live in Toronto, Canada, I am an old WW2 veteran and was in the Royal Canadian Artillery Regiment. We arrived in Colchester in 1941 close to the Goojerat Barracks. We used to go to the pub near the railroad station. I remeber it well, we left after about 6 months to go to Littlehampton. I am a D-Day veteran. My mother and father came to Canada from Reading with five of my sisters in 1912. I was born in Canada and remember Colchester well.

27/06/2004

Carlos Cortes

Mexico City, Mexico

Colchester brings me good memories about its people, the Castle, the atmosphere and the time I had there while I was studying a MSc degree at the University of Essex. Colchester is the only place that made me feel better than at home.

15/06/2004

Slawomir Karczmitowicz

Trezebinia, Poland

I remember Colchester very well. It's a very nice and quiet town. I was there 8 years ago. I was a student of Colchester English Study Centre. In Colchester I found not only friendly people but the first time in my life a four leaf clover!

19/05/2004

Eray

Turkey

I have been to Colchester and will be there again to study english. It's a wonderful town for international Students. Nice place + nice people = Colchester.

25/04/2004

Joanne Dobson

Hartlepool, England

I used to live in Colchester and know what a beautiful place it is. Visitors might also want to check Mersea Island out...

18/04/2004

Mrs J Sims (Teacher)

Maylandsea CP School, England

Excellent. The sheets from the web on Colchester Castle worked well – they helped the children to focus.

03/04/2004

Miss B Ranby (Teacher)

Maldon Primary School, England

The Castle is excellent, good variety. Lots of hands-on activities. Well documented but quite easy for children to follow. Very clean, light and well planned. More displays have been added since our last visit.

15/03/2004

Holly Abigail Croft (Aged 7)

Colchester, England

I loved the day when I went to Hollytrees so much that I want to go back again. We got shown around every room and we got to handle all sorts of old-fashioned things. There were even old toys to play with.

14/03/2004

Sam Cross (Aged 6)

Ipswich, England

My most favourite thing in Hollytrees Museum was the little tunnel that I went through and there was little bins and when you picked the lid up you could play with things which was fun.

07/03/2004

Clavering Primary School

Essex, England

Hollytrees is the most child friendly museum we have ever visited, the children really enjoyed themselves.

05/03/2004

Mr & Mrs Knight

Orpington, England

We visited your town for the first time and learned something of its history and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves too, despite the intense heat.

26/02/2004

Miss D. Shingles

London, England

I spent my first time in Colchester in August and was very impressed by the town and the cleanliness everywhere. My visit was long overdue but now I am anxious to return and then I’ll be able to visit the Museums. However, I really enjoyed the short stay and there was no litter and everywhere seemed so tidy. I took the sightseeing bus with a very nice driver and everyone was so pleasant in the shops too. It was a joy to have made this visit to your town.

21/02/2004

Lisa Craigon

Colchester, England

I noticed yesterday the beginning of your wildlife corner in Lower Castle Park, I think this looks great and really look forward to seeing how this develops. You keep the Park in great order considering how difficult the job must be. The Park grounds are the best thing about Colchester, so thank you again.

04/02/2004

Mr. J. & Mrs. P. Taber

Ipswich, England

We really enjoy the Bandstand concerts in Castle Park on Sundays and the other Park events.

01/01/2004

Mrs Mason

Walton-on-the-Naze, England

I was very impressed with display of flowers in & around Colchester and would like to say 'thank you' for doing such a good job. I don't get out very much but when I did, the flowers brightened up my day! You are doing excellent work!

Date	Name	Location	Comments
10/03/2006	Laila and Peter	Just above Alkmaar, The Netherlands	Saturday the 11th it is the 3th time I'll visit Colchester, this time i take a friend with me. As far as i remember ( last time i visited this city has been in 2001 )Colchester is a city to give a stressed soul fresh energy. Our plan is to stay in Colchester for several days and visit the several museums, spend some money at Marks and Spencers and maybe, if there is enough time, visit London. In 2001 i stayed at Marks Tey, this time it shall be the Red Lion, i hope it keeps it's promisses just as in the several magazines that placed an article about this hotel, old, great kitchen, nice employees and good rooms.

09/02/2006	sammy-jo	Barking	I went to colchester zoo with my leisure and toursim class, I found it very interesting with gorgeous animals that were well looked after. The staff were polite used good manners offered advise, help and any other assistance needed at all times. The trip was fun and I would love to go again someday.

21/12/2005	Lauren Murray	Colchester	I am a South African, and I have been living in Rowhedge Colchester for the last 18 months. Although I miss SA very much and will return home one day, I love the village that I live in and it already holds very fond memories and experiences for me and my family.

16/08/2005	Larry	Montreal, Canada	I was born in Colchester (the Lexden area, actually) in July 1940. My parents (and I, of course) lived on Albany Road, in West Bergholt. (The largest building was the then Daniel's Brewery!) I remember the War very well; my earliest memories were of fleets of (enemy) aircraft flying over, and bombs falling. One fell only about one hundred yards from the house, into a ploughed field. I was frequently dragged out of my cot, or bed, and put quickly down a cold, damp, 'root-cellar' (used for storing fruits and vegetables). I remember 'dog-fights' in the sky, and a 'doodle-bug' V-1 flying bomb passing overhead at dusk, late in the War, heading in a northwesterly direction. A couple of years after the War, my parents separated, moved elsewhere, and the house was sold. I have visited back a few times. I recall pleasurably the good people of the Colchester area, its green and pleasant aspects, and the 'Blues' soccer team which challenged Arsenal at Layer Road in the F.A.Cup just after the War. I seem to recall that, sadly, the 'Blues' lost by a score of 3 to 2 - but that they put up a darned good fight! I am very proud of belonging to Colchester, with its long and rich history. I tell people that my 'home town' is notable for two somewhat exotic things - oysters and roses! Wonderful memories! Of course, there are many 'Colchester's' in the world, especially in North America (the small town of the name is among the most southerly towns in Canada) (located in SW Ontario). And, for those who may not be aware, a ship named CITY of COLCHESTER was in British registry, sailing world-wide, from about 1947 to 1964. Good luck to Colchester and its people! May history yet be forged within your lovely location!

16/08/2005	Andres	Madrid, Spain	Thank you Colchester!! I have very good recollections of this lovely town. Thank you very much for your hospitality.

20/07/2005	Jenni	Sydney, Australia	I am English and when last home I visited Colchester for the first time and loved it. The fact that it is seed in history and is such a well kept town. The little streets and shops, the castle and the surrounding area are delightful. Next time I come home I want to see more of this quaint place.

18/07/05	Sandy	Perth, Western Australia	I left Colchester in 1980. My childhood memories consist of going to the movies every saturday morning then hanging out at the Castle with my friends. For fun we'd con the museum attendant into letting us into the dungeons for free. Now they're memories you just couldn't have living elsewhere in the world!

29/06/2005	Ian Newbery	Luton - UK	I am looking for anyone who served in Colchester during WW2 from Canada specifically who may have been in the Canadian Artillery - anti aircraft and who may have known Duncan Tulloch. If so please contact me on iannewbery@gmail.com - many thanks

05/06/2005	Lionel Payne	Comber, Northern Ireland	I was born in colchester many years ago, and would love to go back and see it one day, and to see Colchester United play, who I have followed for many years.

22/02/2005	Angie Willis	Dubuque, Iowa, USA	I attended the University of Essex in the fall of 2000. I fell in love with Colchester immediately, made life-long friendships in the process, and miss it more each day. Someday, I'll get back, friends/family in tow, and show others how amazing this town is!

02/02/2005	Mark West	Arlington, Massachusetts, USA	I attended the University of Essex and lived near the centre of Colchester. I still miss it a great deal. Even though I live now in 'New' England, Colchester will always be a special place where I enjoyed some of the best times of my life.

26/01/2005	The Young Family	Colchester, Connneticut, USA	Colchester is a great family place to visit. We loved Colchester castle and the Museums. It is great to visit kid friendly places that don't mind all the touching involved in learning. We will see you all soon!!

27/11/2004	Nathan	Colchester	I run the security for the colchester festival, and other major events, and i couldn't be happyer with the town, so its not most accesible but it makes up for it in so many ways, the night life, the hotels, the food BRILLIANT!

23/11/2004	Joe MacDonnell	Colchester, Essex	I have lived in Colchester for 8 years and it seriously rocks.

03/11/2004	Sheila Phillipson	Lechlade, Glos	I used to live in Colchester many years ago and went to Phillip Morant School. I haven't been back for some years now but I expect that it has gone through many changes. I used to love visiting the Castle and Hollytrees Museum as a child and have taken my own children there as well. I hope to make a return visit again soon.

02/11/2004	Carlene Nusbaum	Ottawa, Ohio	I met some poeple from Colchester when I was visiting a horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky. I checked out Colchester on the internet and it looks a very pretty place to visit sometime. A friend had emailed me the site.

22/09/2004	Brad Stevens	Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada	I have been to Colchester 7 times since 1988 and love the city, the people and the surrounding area. If I was to ever relocate to England I would plan on living in Colchester.

05/08/2004	Wati Nayan	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia	I'm visiting my friends here for 2 weeks. I must admit that Colchester is more than what I expected. I think it's an absolutely beautiful place to visit and I'd love to come here again.

04/08/2004	Mr Shoesy	Colchester, Essex	I think Colchester is great. I live here all year round and cherish every moment.

24/07/2004	Mr T Coughlan	Burnham-On-Crouch, Essex	I have lived in Essex for about 15 years and on Saturday had my first visit to Colchester Town Centre. As well as visiting the Castle Museum, which was excellent, my family and I joined one of the guided tours of the town which was very interesting and enjoyable. The Castle Park gradens were beautiful, in fact we had recently visited Hever Castle and Penshurst Place, the gardens of which claim to be magnificent, but they were not as impressive as Castle Park. I look forward to visiting Colchester again in the near future - I can confirm it will not be another 15 years before my next visit!

17/07/2004	Karen Sparkman	Jacksonville, Florida USA	I was born in Colchester back in 1967. I've lived in America for 20 years now, but have fond memories of Colchester. I am planning on bringing my husband & children to Colchester when we visit England next year to visit family and friends.

12/07/2004	Barbi Vasquez	Vallejo California	How wonderful to see my home town. I've been away for 30 plus years but it is still home. Hi to all in good old Colchester.

05/07/2004	Wally Mace	Toronto, Canada	I live in Toronto, Canada, I am an old WW2 veteran and was in the Royal Canadian Artillery Regiment. We arrived in Colchester in 1941 close to the Goojerat Barracks. We used to go to the pub near the railroad station. I remeber it well, we left after about 6 months to go to Littlehampton. I am a D-Day veteran. My mother and father came to Canada from Reading with five of my sisters in 1912. I was born in Canada and remember Colchester well.

27/06/2004	Carlos Cortes	Mexico City, Mexico	Colchester brings me good memories about its people, the Castle, the atmosphere and the time I had there while I was studying a MSc degree at the University of Essex. Colchester is the only place that made me feel better than at home.

15/06/2004	Slawomir Karczmitowicz	Trezebinia, Poland	I remember Colchester very well. It's a very nice and quiet town. I was there 8 years ago. I was a student of Colchester English Study Centre. In Colchester I found not only friendly people but the first time in my life a four leaf clover!

19/05/2004	Eray	Turkey	I have been to Colchester and will be there again to study english. It's a wonderful town for international Students. Nice place + nice people = Colchester.

25/04/2004	Joanne Dobson	Hartlepool, England	I used to live in Colchester and know what a beautiful place it is. Visitors might also want to check Mersea Island out...

18/04/2004	Mrs J Sims (Teacher)	Maylandsea CP School, England	Excellent. The sheets from the web on Colchester Castle worked well – they helped the children to focus.

03/04/2004	Miss B Ranby (Teacher)	Maldon Primary School, England	The Castle is excellent, good variety. Lots of hands-on activities. Well documented but quite easy for children to follow. Very clean, light and well planned. More displays have been added since our last visit.

15/03/2004	Holly Abigail Croft (Aged 7)	Colchester, England	I loved the day when I went to Hollytrees so much that I want to go back again. We got shown around every room and we got to handle all sorts of old-fashioned things. There were even old toys to play with.

14/03/2004	Sam Cross (Aged 6)	Ipswich, England	My most favourite thing in Hollytrees Museum was the little tunnel that I went through and there was little bins and when you picked the lid up you could play with things which was fun.

07/03/2004	Clavering Primary School	Essex, England	Hollytrees is the most child friendly museum we have ever visited, the children really enjoyed themselves.

05/03/2004	Mr & Mrs Knight	Orpington, England	We visited your town for the first time and learned something of its history and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves too, despite the intense heat.

26/02/2004	Miss D. Shingles	London, England	I spent my first time in Colchester in August and was very impressed by the town and the cleanliness everywhere. My visit was long overdue but now I am anxious to return and then I’ll be able to visit the Museums. However, I really enjoyed the short stay and there was no litter and everywhere seemed so tidy. I took the sightseeing bus with a very nice driver and everyone was so pleasant in the shops too. It was a joy to have made this visit to your town.

21/02/2004	Lisa Craigon	Colchester, England	I noticed yesterday the beginning of your wildlife corner in Lower Castle Park, I think this looks great and really look forward to seeing how this develops. You keep the Park in great order considering how difficult the job must be. The Park grounds are the best thing about Colchester, so thank you again.

04/02/2004	Mr. J. & Mrs. P. Taber	Ipswich, England	We really enjoy the Bandstand concerts in Castle Park on Sundays and the other Park events.

01/01/2004	Mrs Mason	Walton-on-the-Naze, England	I was very impressed with display of flowers in & around Colchester and would like to say 'thank you' for doing such a good job. I don't get out very much but when I did, the flowers brightened up my day! You are doing excellent work!

Colchester Visitors Book